Core Values of Peer Support at NISAinfo@nisa.on.ca2016-06-28T18:43:15+00:00

Project Description

Core Values of Peer Support at NISA

Peer support is defined as a helping relationship between two individuals (peers) who share some form of lived experience with mental health challenges, issues, concerns, or illness. Peers help us understand and interpret our experiences. They aid us in recognizing our strengths, and support us as we venture to find our own meaning in life. At NISA this support can come in the form of friendships, formal one-on-one support, or group sharing and learning activities.

As members of a peer/consumer-led organization, we acknowledge and recognize that for a long time people living with mental health challenges were the subject of stigmatization, discrimination, and social injustice. NISA and its members are indebted to those who fought for the civil rights of ‘psychiatric patients’ in the institutions, and in the community after deinstitutionalization. Peer Support and recovery in mental health was made possible by those brave individuals who resisted and brought about change in our communities.

We value the understanding that comes from our similar lived experience

We are equals in a supportive relationship and can each learn and grow as a result

We strive to maintain a power balance where no one is superior

Quotes from our peers: “…feelings back and forth”, “…we get nourishment from each other”, “…process of give and take”

Hope

We are holders of hope and communicate positive expectations

We express our confidence in others to be successful in their own journey of recovery

We support individuals to discover their own strength and resilience, and to act on their own behalf to effect positive change in their lives

We inspire mutual sharing of hopes, dreams, and possibilities

Quotes from our peers: “…something to look forward to; moving towards a goal”, “Hope is motivator to get us there”, “Having something to look forward to gives hope”, “…the belief that something better can be there”

Recovery, Health & Well-being

We believe that recovery and well-being is possible for everyone

We support individuals to take personal responsibility and be active in their own recovery

We embrace the uniqueness of each individual and their ability to create a life of meaning and purpose, as they define it for themselves

We understand that, in addition to a person’s mental health status and diagnosis, there are many factors – social, economic, environmental, etc. – that impact one’s recovery journey, and we will strive to provide support to address those factors

We value authentic relationships and can share our lived experience and insights

We form connections with empathy and compassion

We approach individuals with openness, curiosity, and interest in their experience, stories, and perspectives

We are transparent and explain what can and cannot be expected of the peer support relationship

Quotes from our peers: “Empathy and compassion gets you connected to each other”, “A real person, who understands”, “Being real, not fake”, “Transparency is ‘I’m a human too’”

Personal Integrity & Trust

We act ethically and with integrity at all times, with an individual’s well-being as priority

We protect and maintain confidentiality

We are trustworthy and accountable for our actions

Quotes from our peers: “I want to know I will not be judged, that I can trust this person with my information”

Dignity & Respect

We are intentional with our language, using person-first language that supports the idea that the individual is a whole person, separate from whatever labels may have followed them

We understand that we live in a world where some of us experience racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, historical-based trauma, ageism, linguicism, class-based discrimination, and discrimination based on our religious beliefs and spiritual practices. We recognize our diversity and honour our various and often interconnected struggles with oppression

Quotes from our peers: “I want to be respected and have my dignity”, “You have to respect people and their space”, “Honour and respect [the] intrinsic worth of all individuals”

Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth

We participate in continuing education and personal development to remain current in the field of peer support and enhance our skills and abilities

Recovery is not linear, and we view ups and downs as part of the journey and an opportunity for insight and growth

We acknowledge the value of learning, changing, and developing new perspectives for all individuals

Quotes from our peers: “We are all learning all the time, it is important to keep always learning”, “Every time someone shares with me, I learn something new”

Project Details

About Us

NISA is an organization run by and for consumers of mental health services. We develop occupational skills, nurture self-confidence and provide resources for recovery by creating opportunities for participants to contribute to their own well-being and that of their community.

Being, belonging, becoming, for all mental health consumers.

Testimonials

"It’s a warm, friendly environment that feels like a home away from home. I haven’t been able to paint at home for the last six months, but I can find enough inner peace at NISA to be creative and active as a painter."

"Over the past week your warm line workers have provided me with great care and support. Thank-you."